Obviously, water-tight eggs can be laid anywhere. They do not have to be kept constantly moist. There is no danger of the developing fetus dehydrating. Shown above is a turtle hatching.

Reptile Reproduction

Most reptiles reproduce sexually and have internal fertilization. Males have one or two penises that pass sperm from their
cloaca
to the cloaca of a female. Fertilization occurs within the cloaca, and fertilized eggs leave the female’s body through the opening in the cloaca. In a minority of species, the eggs are retained inside the female’s body until they hatch. Then the offspring leave the mother’s body through the cloaca opening.

Amniotic Eggs

Unlike amphibians, reptiles produce
amniotic eggs
(see
Figure
below
). The shell, membranes, and other structures of an amniotic egg protect and nourish the embryo. They keep the embryo moist and safe while it grows and develops. They also provide it with a rich, fatty food source (the
yolk
).

The amniotic egg is an important adaptation in fully terrestrial vertebrates. It first evolved in reptiles. The shells of reptile eggs are either hard or leathery.

Reptile Young

Unlike amphibians, reptiles do not have a larval stage. Instead, newly hatched reptiles look like smaller versions of the adults. They are able to move about on their own, but they are vulnerable to predators. Even so, most reptile parents provide no care to their hatchlings. In fact, most reptiles don’t even take care of their eggs. For example, female sea turtles lay their eggs on a sandy beach and then return to the ocean. The only exceptions are female crocodiles and alligators. They may defend their nest from predators and help the hatchlings reach the water. If the young remain in the area, the mother may continue to protect them for up to a year.

Review

Vocabulary

Language:

Egg that can withstand a lack of water environment; has a water-impermeable amniotic membrane surrounding a fluid-filled amniotic cavity; permits embryonic development on land without danger of dessication.